Silverton, CO toxic brew?

By hodaphile, Posted August 12, 2015

I was planning a trip to Silverton in mid-Sept but following the typical government-led CF at Gold King Mine I am fearful of bureaucratic over-reaction closing down everything in the area. I've read that a lot of the river has been closed but nothing about any of the backcountry 4x4 trails.

Would appreciate any feedback from locals since very little (other than "it wasn't my fault") seems to be reported in the media.

Thanks!

By cjjeepercreeper, Posted August 12, 2015

I live just south of Durango, so don't get me started on this. Short version is, it is looking like this may have been deliberate on the part of the EPA, they hate mining and they also have been trying to get the area declared a Superfund site for 20 years. If you want to connect the dots yourself read this:

Bottom line is, who knows what is going to be going on in mid Sept., other than the leaves starting to turn. The area in question is not really in an area you want to go to anyway, so the river mess probably won't affect wheeling and riding. BTW, there is not a whole lot of dirt bike stuff in the immediate Silverton area anyway, but there are a bunch of relatively easy 4by roads that are very scenic.

BTW, the river is supposed to re-open in a few days.

By hodaphile, Posted August 13, 2015

I live just south of Durango, so don't get me started on this. Short version is, it is looking like this may have been deliberate on the part of the EPA, they hate mining and they also have been trying to get the area declared a Superfund site for 20 years. If you want to connect the dots yourself read this:

Bottom line is, who knows what is going to be going on in mid Sept., other than the leaves starting to turn. The area in question is not really in an area you want to go to anyway, so the river mess probably won't affect wheeling and riding. BTW, there is not a whole lot of dirt bike stuff in the immediate Silverton area anyway, but there are a bunch of relatively easy 4by roads that are very scenic.

BTW, the river is supposed to re-open in a few days.

I live just south of Durango, so don't get me started on this. Short version is, it is looking like this may have been deliberate on the part of the EPA, they hate mining and they also have been trying to get the area declared a Superfund site for 20 years. If you want to connect the dots yourself read this:

Bottom line is, who knows what is going to be going on in mid Sept., other than the leaves starting to turn. The area in question is not really in an area you want to go to anyway, so the river mess probably won't affect wheeling and riding. BTW, there is not a whole lot of dirt bike stuff in the immediate Silverton area anyway, but there are a bunch of relatively easy 4by roads that are very scenic.

BTW, the river is supposed to re-open in a few days.

Thanks for the feedback! We'll be on dual sported bikes so plan was to hit several of the jeep trails and enjoy scenery plus explore mines and ghost towns. Then another day throw bikes in truck and head for Telluride area to ride some more challenging trails. At least that is where I heard there was such.

Thanks for the feedback. We're on dual sport bikes so part

By joetroop30, Posted August 17, 2015

I rode up there yesterday and took a little detour over to the source of the spill. The only roads that are closed are the ones that would bring you directly to the area of the spill-the road to Velocity Basin, the road up to Minnehaha Basin, and the road down in the valley that parallels the road that goes up to Corkscrew Gulch. There were quite a few guys out working, especially for a Sunday. I doubt anything will be closed at all in September. Things have calmed down quite a bit already. If you ride up the road that takes you up to Corkscrew Gulch (I can't remember the county road number) you can look over and see where the spill came down the mountain and the new settling ponds they built to "filter" the water before it hits Cement Creek.

Sign in

Similar Content

Three of us decided to get the heck out of the Midwest weather as we are suffering a bad case of the wife is driving us crazy right along with the cabin fever. A couple of us have been to MOAB once before but we're only three and we like a bit larger group when the riders are fairly well matched. However, and this may show what I DON'Y know about MOAB, the one day of riding I was able to do out there last year before having to head home for a family burial, it seems to me that the skill level required for most of MOAB is fairly dialed down compared to Taylor Park so matching up skill level as a group seems less an issue. Now don't skin me alive if I am wrong, I already said I don't really know the area yet. So anyway, if anyone is interested in joining us on the trail, we'd like to know about it!

Weather should be awesome, thinking of taking the day off to go ride rampart or something else close Friday. I'm not one to go riding by myself so if anyone is thinking about it let me know! My usual riding buddy has plans.

Spring is almost here and I was wondering if anyone has been by pipestone... How is the snow looking?? MTDOT pass web cam is down so I could not get a visual on the snowpack. is the lower area still a bit wet or is it starting to dry up a bit. Looks like we have some really good weather this week. I think I am going to head there this saturday to check it out but if anyone has any updates post them here.
Also, last year was my first year there and we only hit it in the late fall. We really liked the area and were able to go 4 or 5 times. If you are a regular shout out and lets go riding.... I plan on spending a lot of time there this year.

Come out to race Aztec Family Raceway just outside Colorado Springs.
The atmosphere is very relaxed (on and off the track).
Byron and the crew keep it light and focus on the enjoyment of MX.
Please come out- we NEED more participation!! Fun racing!
SPREAD THE WORD! TELL YOUR POSSE!
Normally no gate fees.
For more info and race class list, check the website: http://www.aztecraceway.com/
Sign up begins at 8 am
Practice begins at 9 am
Racing begins at 10 am
Short Stop hamburger is normally there- burgers, brats, and coffee
Did I mention fun racing!!!
HOTLINE- for more details (719) 683 -3301